Dualboot Partners

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

DebtBook makes powerful cloud-based debt and lease management software for governments and nonprofits. I'm a Co-Founder and the Head of Product and Engineering.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Dualboot Partners, and what were your goals?

We needed an experienced team that was skilled and capable of translating our domain expertise into a fully functional product very quickly.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We found them through a referral and evaluated several other vendors. Their team proved their experience with building and launching similar product offerings immediately in our initial conversations, and it was clear to see they would be an actual partner - not just a vendor.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

The scope of work was to design and develop a new web application to enable finance professionals to manage debt. Dualboot worked closely with our team to translate ideas, requirements, and financial concepts into the product. Key deliverables included UI design and a market-ready MVP. The resulting product utilizes a modern architecture and technologies. React is used for the front-end and the back-end is built with Ruby on Rails.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

There were 4 or 5 members of their team that worked closely with us throughout the project. Roles included Principal, UI Designer, Front-end developer, Back-end developers and QA.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

We were able to efficiently build and launch our product in roughly 4 months to allow us to more effectively sell to our prospects and gather initial customer feedback. After almost 18 months in-market, we've been able to gain meaningful traction in several key areas and secured key accounts with governments in over 20 states along with a number of highly recognized educational institutions.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Their project management can be noted as a strength. We meet regularly throughout the week and collaborate utilizing tools like Slack and Gitlab. The team performs and delivers work consistently.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

A lot of companies talk about partnership but they truly act like one. They've worked to understand our business and our goals and consistently work to help us achieve them. They've gone beyond the scope of work to make introductions to talent, prospects, or other vendors at times. The team is very accessible and easy to work with.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Nothing specific to call out here. Any time I have a concern, I communicate it directly to the team and they incorporate feedback generally right away.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO for Boardroom Insiders, which offers an executive engagement platform for sales and marketing teams looking to sell and market into the C-suite.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Dualboot Partners, and what were your goals?

We hired them to reimagine and rebuild our extremely brittle executive profile database. Once that was done, we built a SaaS/DaaS platform designed to support account based marketing (ABM) and executive engagement programs.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We already had relationships with the founders. Their trust, integrity and promise were the deciding factors.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

I am a non technical founder, so we defined the business requirements and Dualboot recommended the approach and technologies used.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

2-5 at any given time over the past few years, including developers, UX designers and project managers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

The new site provided us peace of mind in terms of stability and security. We are able to launch new features much faster. Positive customer feedback--and sales--have soared since launching the new platform.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Much better communication, project management and accountability than we have experienced in the past with other developers and firms. Good use of technology tools to show priorities and progress.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

High levels of integrity across the entire team established a lot of trust up front. Flexibility when it comes to resourcing and billing is appreciated. Fantastic leadership and management shows; the individual contributors show the same integrity, responsibility and accountability.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Not that I can think of. We have been working with them so long now that all of the wrinkles have been ironed out. We love our team and want to continue working with them to enhance our app.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

PetScreening gives property managers the first-ever platform to easily manage, review, and track their renters’ pet profiles across their portfolio. I am the COO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Dualboot Partners, and what were your goals?

To build a comprehensive digital platform to help property managers screen and validate pets & assistance animals. Our goal was to launch a powerful platform that we could immediately sell to property owners and that was easy for renters to use.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We had worked with one of their principals previously on a separate project and were impressed. We chose Dualboot because we wanted a team that could get a quality product to market quickly, and someone that we knew would guide as we launched and improved the product based on early customer feedback.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

The PetScreening platform was created to serve both property owners/managers and pet owners. Through our platform, property managers have an easy way to review, approve and track their renters’ pet profiles, while validating reasonable accommodation requests for assistance animals. It also holds pet owners more accountable, while creating new potential revenue streams for property owners. This allows more property managers to maximize not only their pet-friendliness but also pet-responsibility across their properties. Dualboot has kept to reasonable development timelines through customer feedback and federal regulation changes in our industry. Tech: React, Ruby on Rails"

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

8- Product Principal, UI/UX Designer, Front End Developer, Back End Developer, Quality Assurance

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

We've grown revenue 147% CAGR since 2018.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Communication is easy and effective. Very organized and efficient. We use Slack, Github, and daily standup Zoom calls to manage our roadmap.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Based on their experience with a portfolio of successful companies, Dualboot knows how to launch products. They're previously successful tech entrepreneurs, so they are famiiliar with not only product & development but also commercialization & strategy. They helped to guide us on building an MVP that was ready for market but not over-engineered with features that weren't necessary at the outset. That helped us to get into the market as quickly as possible.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

The addition of annual reviews with the Principal to review design & development performance & set expectations for the following year would be beneficial to the partnership.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Bundle provides anonymous mortgage shopping so that consumers can avoid the typical pitfalls of the overwhelming number of cold calls as well as managing multiple banks in the process. I am the Founder & CEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Dualboot Partners, and what were your goals?

Dualboot helped to improve an existing platform and build additional features and enhancements in order to finalize the MVP so Bundle could begin generating revenue.

SOLUTION

How did you select Dualboot Partners and what were the deciding factors?

They are active in building the ecosystem in Charlotte, so I met them at a local event. I was impressed with their capabilities, experience of their team, as well as the cost effectiveness.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Dualboot took over from a previous team. There were several key features that needed to be improved or completed. Tech was Ruby on Rails and React.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Front End Developer, Back End Developer, Quality Assurance

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Met expectations

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.

I have it set up where I can work directly with the developers. This allows me the control I'm looking for. We use Slack, GitHub, and ongoing calls to manage priorities from my roadmap.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Dualboot has been flexible. As I look to build, grow, and scale, I needed a partner that was flexible with the contract and pace of work. They have provided guidance on hiring and even marketing needs throughout the relationship. They have also worked to connect me with investors and other relevant resources.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Bella Tunno began in 2005 as a passion project when Michelle was looking to launch a charitable fund with hopes of helping vulnerable kids. She was pregnant with her first baby and started sewing bibs and burp cloths from her home.

From the very first sale, donations were made to kids in need. Over the past 15 years, Bella Tunno has grown from its humble beginnings, but we’ve never forgotten our mission to help change children’s lives. I am the Founder, CEO

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Dualboot Partners, and what were your goals?

Dualboot Partners designed our website and implemented the e-commerce application.

SOLUTION

How did you select Dualboot Partners and what were the deciding factors?

We selected Dualboot because of their reputation in the Charlotte community. They were known by our team too. They have done an excellent job supporting and growing business.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Dualboot helped us with the design direction based on our input. They suggested moving to shopify versus having a custom e-commerce application.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

They had a Product Principal who controlled the process and a team of designers and developers that built out the site and e-commerce platform.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Before Dualboot our e-commerce platform would often crash once we had high volumes. After we moved to the new design and platform we no longer experience downtime as well as our sales improved.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.

Dualboot used an agile methodology with a combination of daily standups during design and moved to weekly updates as development went on. Now they are on a support process and we reach out when we need help. Their main communication was zoom meetings as well as slack. Additionally, they tracked in GitLab.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They hit their timeline and their quality of work has been amazing

Are there any areas for improvement?

We have been impressed with their responsiveness. No suggestions here.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the President of Portus Wealth Advisors

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We provide wealth management services to business owners. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Dualboot Partners to accomplish?

• Clean up our website

SOLUTION

How did you find Dualboot Partners?

Referral

Why did you select Dualboot Partners over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Dualboot Partners were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Our website had gotten infected with a number of viruses. Dualboot went to work quickly and efficiently brining it back up to operational with a very quick turnaround.  They not only cleaned it up but were able to provide the details and help educate me on how to keep it clean going forward. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Clean website that was free from viruses

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Yes. They were every quick in responding and communicating with me.  

What was your primary form of communication with Dualboot Partners?

Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Quick response time and very clear communication 

Are there any areas for improvement or something Dualboot Partners could have done differently?

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the CEO of a healthcare company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Offers a digital health platform to support mental health services

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Dualboot Partners to accomplish?

• Rebuild platform
• Create automation of previously static tools

SOLUTION

How did you find Dualboot Partners?

Referral

Why did you select Dualboot Partners over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Dualboot Partners were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

We deployed Dualboot to rebuild our existing platform so that a decision-making tool, which had previously been organized in static PDFs, would function as an automated process to enable users to quickly create customized plans for their clients.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Dualboot successfully took a static tool, that was comprised of an enormous amount of information which was previously stored in individual PDFs, and created a fully automated decision-making tool.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The team always responds to our needs in a timely manner.

What was your primary form of communication with Dualboot Partners?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The developers worked very quickly and were able to find creative solutions to our obstacles.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Dualboot Partners could have done differently?

n/a

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the CEO of a healthcare company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Connects everyday personal health data to help the healthcare system deliver better, more proactive care.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Dualboot Partners to accomplish?

• Augment existing staff

SOLUTION

How did you find Dualboot Partners?

• Referral
• Other

Why did you select Dualboot Partners over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Dualboot Partners were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Needed developers to fit with our existing team structure, join meetings, and hit deliverables as a part of those teams.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Work completed on time and on budget with team members that fit in with our company culture.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Timeline communication was clear and met and they were very responsive to any issues or challenges we raised.

What was your primary form of communication with Dualboot Partners?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

We're impressed by their willingness to find team members that fit us at the right value.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Dualboot Partners could have done differently?

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the President of Barhopper

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

It’s a phone application that helps users decide which bar to go to

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Dualboot Partners to accomplish?

• Build a phone app

SOLUTION

How did you find Dualboot Partners?

Ann Arbor New Tech

Why did you select Dualboot Partners over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Dualboot Partners were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

I’m not techy so I really can’t expand, but they did an amazing job building my app from start to finish

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

App is not quite finished yet, but so far it’s great

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

On time and exceeded expectations

What was your primary form of communication with Dualboot Partners?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their ability to quickly adapt when changes needed to be made was impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Dualboot Partners could have done differently?

Nope

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Business Technology of New Engen

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Digital marketing agency for retail clients

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Dualboot Partners to accomplish?

• Build our data infrastructure using Google Cloud Platform
• Stand-up Airflow and orchestration

SOLUTION

How did you find Dualboot Partners?

Referral

Why did you select Dualboot Partners over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Dualboot Partners were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Project is the development of our data infrastructure to create a centralized location for our clients' marketing data using the Google Cloud Platform, and specific technologies including BigQuery, Airflow, dbt, and Adverity. The project deliverables have included implementing orchestration and automating our pipelines to ensure that data is high quality, efficient, and timely.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Implementation and development of an Airflow DAG that can be replicated for multiple clients. The DAG currently handles a single data provider and will evolve into supporting additional data providers and data sources.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Project kicked off with discovery, design session, proof-of-concept pilot, development, QA, and now user-acceptance testing. The project has been managed via twice a week status check-ins, where we review progress and discuss obstacles, roadblocks, challenges, and issues.

What was your primary form of communication with Dualboot Partners?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Appreciate our consistent check-ins, their responsiveness to questions/asks, and having the same team members throughout the engagement. They've adapted to our needs as we've progressed and have been willing to tackle our challenges.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Dualboot Partners could have done differently?

Everything that they could be doing, they've actively taken steps to address once I've provided feedback.